Mark your calendars, eastern Canada! Many of you will be among the millions of Canadians able to witness the first total solar eclipse to pass over Canada in 60 years! During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, a total Solar Eclipse will move diagonally across North America from the southwest to the northeast.
About the Solar Eclipse & why Path of Totality Matters
Solar eclipses occur when the moon moves between the sun and the earth in a way which allows the moon to completely block the sun for a brief moment. Those viewing the eclipse under the path of totality will be able to view a complete eclipse of the sun. When this happens, the moon blocks the sun and turns day into night within a matter of minutes. What happens during that total eclipse of the sun makes this event so incredible to see in person.
When the eclipse begins, you’ll be able to see the moon slowly overtake the sunlight and sun itself. Once those under the path of totality have a total eclipse, they are able to view a dark sky during the day, possibly stars, and the sun’s corona. The corona is a dazzling ring of light you’ll see around the moon- these light dances similar to how aurora would move around the sky.
How to View a Solar Eclipse
To see the 2024 solar eclipse in Canada, head to one of five provinces: southern Ontario, southeastern Quebec, central New Brunswick, northeastern PEI, or central Newfoundland.
Viewing the eclipse involves quite a bit of staring at the sun- something we’ve been advised not to do since childhood. So, it is INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT to practice safe eclipse viewing. This means buying authorized solar viewing glasses or building simple viewing tools out of cardboard and paper with nothing more than scissors!
Do not stare at the sun at any time during the eclipse. This causes severe eye injury. Sunglasses are not enough, no matter how polarized, fancy, or dark the lenses are.
Learn all you need to know from NASA here.
When: Monday, April 8, 2024 (8 days after Easter)
If you are planning to travel to see the solar eclipse, here are 15 of our top suggestions so that you won’t be disappointed if the weather plays spoilsport.
Point Pelee National Park, ON
Point Pelee National Park is so far south, that this is about as far south as one can go in mainland Canada before hitting the US border. This is a year-round National Park on the north shore of Lake Eerie which attracts stargazers, campers, paddlers, hikers, and bikers.
- There is camping available in April at Point Pelee, or rather, glamping. The oTENTiks, are located in a scenic forest area and provide campers with a cozy a-frame cabin for sleeping and cooking.
- When looking for a place from where to view the solar eclipse, follow the park’s trails. The Centennial Hike & Bike Trail leads you down 6km of Lake Eerie shoreline and connects to many other trails.
- The closest nearby town to explore is Leamington, ON, also on the north shore of Lake Eerie. The area has over a dozen hotels and motels (if glamping isn’t your thing), and just as many local restaurants and cafes to try out.
Total eclipse starts: 3:13:35 PM EDT
Hamilton & Burlington, ON
Hamilton is on the northern edge of the solar eclipses path of totality. So, in order to visit Hamilton and get a good view of the eclipse, head anywhere to the south of the city like Defasco Park, or the trails around the Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area.
- And while you’re in Hamilton, take the time to explore even more waterfalls– there are over 100 within the city.
- Interested in more detailed scientific information about the solar eclipse, and eclipses in general? McMaster University will host astronomy and eclipse shows and lectures all throughout April.
- Most of Hamilton’s highest and top-rated restaurants are located along King William St. or James St.
- Travel York Boulevard in Hamilton to find a number of family-friendly attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens (great to see the earliest spring blooms), the Dundurn National Historic Site, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and the Whitehorn Historic House & Garden.
Total solar eclipse events: 3:18:14 PM EDT
Niagara Falls, ON
There is no doubt that Niagara Falls is a top-tier tourist destination in Canada. With this are several activities to explore including tours of the waterfalls, shopping, food and drink, and many other smaller attractions. On top of all that, the city is planning on setting up small events and viewing areas for the solar eclipse. Some of the recommended viewing locations for now include the SkyWheel, Skylon Tower, Table Rock Centre, or the Niagara River Parkway.
- The SkyWheel is an attraction at Cliffton Hill, a huge theme park next to the falls. The giant Ferris wheel is open, along with the midway and mini golf.
- The Table Rock Centre and Skylon Tower can each offer an incredible dining and dinner experience for after the solar eclipse through the Table Rock House Restaurant located directly beside the rushing falls, or the Skylon’s Revolving Dining Room located 775ft. above the waterfall.
- Early April is the start to a busy spring and summer tourism season in Niagara Falls. This, and the city’s prime location for the solar eclipse, will make accommodations extra-busy. Book asap and choose between a huge number of resorts and hotels.
Total eclipse starts: 3:18:15 PM EDT
Kingston, ON
All of Kingston is getting ready for the total solar eclipse, including Tourism Kingston, Queen’s University, St. Lawrence Parks, and the City of Kingston. These groups will set up official viewing locations around the city, or check the Queen’s website for solar eclipse tips and activity ideas.
- Join the Haunted Walk of Kingston for a paranormal tour of the scariest parts of the city, or the Creative Kingston Walking Tour group for cool pop cultural history of the city. Each group will have tours in the days leading up to April 8th.
- Fort Henry is a major historical attraction in Kingston who will also be participating in the city’s Eclipse Events. From April 5-7, the Fort will have specialized programming, and they’ll act as a viewing area on the 8th.
- The Kingston Public Market is open on April 6th, the Saturday before the eclipse, and is an excellent way to get a feel for local creators, makers, and vendors.
- Kingston has a bustling brewery scene! Taste your way through flights from Riverhead Brewing Company, Skeleton Park Brewery, Spearhead Brewing Company, Hard Way Cider Company, Daft Brewing, and the Kingston Brewing Company.
- The city of Kingston is located where the St. Lawrence River turns into Lake Ontario. So, waterfront accommodations are a wonderful way to spend your getaway here. There are several along Highway 2 as well as Ontario Street.
Total eclipse starts: 3:22:24 PM EDT
Montréal, QC
Montreal is a fascinating city to explore in terms of local history, the scenery of the St. Lawrence River, the shopping and local food scene, and the sheer ease of getting around the city. And for a prime viewing spot or the total solar eclipse over Montreal, visitors can hop on one train to get to Parc Jean Drapeau. Here, experts from the Montreal Planetarium will be on location to assist with eclipse viewing and to answer any questions.
- Parc Jean Drapeau is on St. Helen’s Island where there are many other things to explore. First, there are numerous gorgeous places for getting a view of the moon passing over the sun. Second, the park and island are easy to explore on bike with paved paths covering most of the grounds. There are also floral gardens near Notre Dame Island that could be in full bloom by April 8th. Plan a picnic for the viewing event, as the island has several pretty picnic areas.
- Directly across from the island and park is Old Montreal. This neighbourhood is a must-see for any visitors! The city has kept up and kept many of Montreal’s original building intact. From here are the best views of the architecture of Montreal, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, the museum, City Hall, and the Courthouse.
- A day hike around Mount Royal Park will provide some of the best overhead views of the entire city and would make for an excellent solar eclipse viewing area. This neighbourhood is also fun for exploring the city’s preserved architecture.
- Good food is easy to come across in Montreal. To make it even easier, head to downtown Montreal around McGill University, or St. Catherine’s Street.
Total eclipse starts: 3:26:51 PM EDT
National Park of Mont-Orford, QC
If you’re looking for a getaway into peaceful nature for your solar eclipse viewing, the National Park of Mont-Orford will provide the place to view, as well as places to stay.
The park boasts cottages and sheltered campsites for the off-season (until Mid-May); however, these are fully booked for the week of the eclipse.
- That is no issue for those wanting to view the eclipse from the park, however, as there are dozens of great accommodation options in the town of Orford. Stay in a chalet, a spa hotel, a historic building, or a large resort.
- The activities available around the park vary depending on the season and weather. If weather permits by early-April, visitors can enjoy paddling, hiking, wildlife viewing, or cycling.
- If there is still snow on the ground, explore the park with cross-country skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes.
- Most of the dining spots around Orford are located along the main Highway 141.
Total eclipse starts: 3:27:17 PM EDT
Sherbrooke, QC
This quiet and beautiful town in southern Quebec that sits at the confluence of the Magog and Saint Francois rivers. Any one of the town’s many riverside and river valley parks will make for excellent solar eclipse viewing areas. Plus, the Sherbrooke Exhibition Centre, on the north side of town, are set to host their own observation party for April 8th! $10 tickets get the whole car’s worth of people access to catered snacks, a large indoor viewing screen, and an educational presentation.
- Before or after viewing the eclipse, you’ll have several opportunities to view and appreciate the public art of Sherbrooke. A mural tour of the town will reveal over 60 different outdoor paintings.
- There are some unique and cool accommodations around Sherbrooke. Travel 30-minutes south for the Ripplecove Hotel & Spa or stay in town for the historic Auberge Marquis de Montcalm. More unique places to stay can be found between Sherbrooke and Lac Massawippi.
- The Strom Nordic Spa brand have a location in Sherbrooke overlooking the river. Explore Sherbrooke, then spend time soaking and relaxing in the outdoor pools or hot tubs, or with a massage.
- The huge number of cafes around Sherbrooke mean finding snacks, lunch, and tasty drinks during your visit will be simple. Explore Rue Wellington N to get a great variety all within walking distance of shopping and riverside views and trails.
Total eclipse starts: 3:27:43 PM EDT
Grand Falls and the Tobique Valley, NB
The Tobique Valley and the town of Plaster Rock are a short drive east of the Quebec and New Brunswick border.
- To celebrate the 2024 solar eclipse, and the region’s perfect location under the path, the District of Tobique Valley will host a four-day long Totality over the Tobique Festival. This begins with a public stargazing event complete with a list of food vendors scheduled to be onsite. On Saturday, the festivities run from 7am-9pm, with the weekend concluding in a public nature walk and barbecue. More events take place on Monday for the eclipse!
- Find a variety of accommodation options west of Plaster Rock in Grand Falls, or south in Woodstock.
- Explore the short trails around Grand Falls for views of the gorge, the river, and the forested areas.
- Park at the Malobiannah Tourist Information Centre to access a viewing area over the Grand Falls and the St. John River.
Total eclipse starts: 4:32:54 PM
Mactaquac Provincial Park, NB
This year-round Provincial Park is directly underneath the eclipse’s path of totality in the southeast of the province. It is situated on the low banks of the St. John River and near the Mactaquac Dam with clear, expansive, and open skies, in almost every direction. Once in the campground, the area becomes sheltered with tall, mature trees and lush greenery.
- The camping at Mactaquac PP is year-round as well, and offers eclipse viewers a few options for ways to stay: the park has unserviced campsites, serviced campsites, rustic camp shelters, or the ch-A-lets. And in early April, these are still on the low season rates.
- If there’s still snow on the ground, access the park’s many trails with skis or snowshoes, or a fat tire bike.
- The park is close enough to Fredricton that visitors can conveniently head there for food and dining. Even closer options include a Robin’s Donuts, and Ivy’s Diner.
- Check out the two smaller waterfalls near the park, with one to the west (Howler Falls), and one to the east (Garden Creek Falls).
Total eclipse starts: 4:33:31 PM ADT
Fredericton, NB
The city of Fredericton covers both the north and south banks of the St. John River. This same river creates several small creek and ravine systems which run through the city as well, and the Nashwaak River. And for the 2024 Solar Eclipse, the City of Fredericton, Science East Science Centre, and The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada New Brunswick Centre, will work together to bring EclipseFest to the city.
- EclipseFest is a weekend-long festival that starts on April 6th and ends with a public viewing of the eclipse on the 8th. Festivities include workshops, presentations, kids’ crafts and games, film screenings, and extra astronomy or STEM exhibits.
- As Fredericton is under the 99% coverage area for the eclipse, you’ll want to book your accommodations here as soon as possible, and there is plenty to see, too.
- The local shopping is abound around Freddy thanks to the wonderful markets that will be open for the weekend before April 8th: Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, The Northside Creators Market, New Maryland Market, Food Market at the Ex, and the Gagetown Farmers Market.
- And while visiting anywhere in Atlantic Canada, seafood lovers can rejoice at the several places for fresh fish and more. Check out local places like the 540 Kitchen & Bar, Wolastoq Wharf, Maxwell’s Steak & Seafood, or William’s Seafood.
Total eclipse starts: 4:33:50 PM ADT
Miramichi & New Castle, NB
Miramichi is on the coastal side of the province near where the river of the same name empties into the Atlantic waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. New Castle is a short drive south along the same side of the Miramichi River.
- Kouchibouguac National Park is roughly a 35-45 minute drive southeast from either New Castle or Miramichi. The park is open year-round while camping is seasonal for summers. The Beach Boardwalk Trail or Kelly’s Beach are both perfect viewing locations for the eclipse, weather dependent.
- You’ll find a majority o the area’s accommodations in New Castle, on the northwest side of the river. Try somewhere unique like the Governor’s Mansion Inn, or the Rodd Miramichi River.
- Take time to explore the incredible history of the area. All along the river are historical sites to visit like the Beaverbrook House and Monument, Beaubears Island, St. Michael’s Museum, or the Miramichi History Museum.
Total eclipse starts: 4:34:24 PM ADT
Summerside, PE
The seaside town of Summerside is on a narrow part of Prince Edward Island and only about a 25-minute drive from the Confederation Bridge. The bridge connects the PEI to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and is worth viewing even you don’t need to cross the bridge. These areas, including Summerside, will be directly under the path of totality for the solar eclipse in April.
- Head to the Beach Goats Petting Farm, about 30-minutes northwest of Summerside, for their official solar eclipse viewing party.
- Shop locally and eat locally with The Summerside Farmers’ Market. The market is a year-round affair and is set up on Water Street every Saturday morning.
- Explore the open cultural and historical sites in Summerside: both the MacNaught History Centre & Archives and Lefurgey Cultural Centre are open the week of the solar eclipse. Additionally, the Eptek Arts & Culture Centre is open year-round for drop-in visitors.
- The island’s famous Anne of Green Gables Museum (25-minutes north of Summerside) is closed for drop-in visits until June. However, they may be able to accommodate visit reservations made ahead of time in the off-season.
- Take the Central Coastal Drive along the Northumberland Strait to Charlottetown and explore many places to photograph, stop and take in the scenery, to eat and snack, or to picnic along the coast.
Total eclipse starts: 4:37:09 PM ADT
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
The town of Grand Falls-Windsor in Newfoundland is almost central to the entire province and is conveniently located on the Trans Canada Highway. It is also near the scenic Bay of Exploits, and where the bay turns into the river of the same name. The natural scenery and geography of the area make for many adventure opportunities as well as places from where to view the April 8th eclipse.
- For those looking for some thrills while on vacation in Grand Falls-Windsor, try a zipline adventure over the river! The Exploits Extreme Ziplines are open for April and provide a variety of package options for their tours. Plus, Rafting Newfoundland will have their opening weekend on April 6th with the first bookings of the year available right before the solar eclipse.
- Slow things down with a nature walk through one of these beautiful natural areas around Grand Falls-Windsor like the Corduroy Brook Nature Trail, Gorge Park, or the Thunder Brook Falls trail.
- As you work up an appetite, consider places like The Third Place Café, Juniper Kitchen & Bistro, Tai Wan Restaurant, Badger Diner, or Gourmet on the Go.
Total eclipse starts: 5:12:27 PM NDT
Gander, NL
Gander has rightfully earned a title of being a welcoming and friendly place to any visitors. This is partially due to the town’s airport and aviation history. The inland town, located on the north shore of Gander Lake, often comes to mind thanks to their welcoming and friendly efforts made American planes were forced to land during the 9/11 attacks. It has received further accolade over these efforts with the Broadway show of Come from Away. And in April of 2024, Gander will be one of the best places in the province and country for viewing the solar eclipse.
- Viewing location recommendations include the Cobbs Pond Rotary Park, Little Harbour Beach, or Square Pond Park.
- Otherwise, there are a handful of trails in the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest. One of the trails follows the shoreline of Gander Lake, while the entire area has picnic sites and washroom facilities.
- If you’ve come this far east, take the hour-or-so drive to visit the coastal side of eastern Newfoundland. Eastport Beach or Terra Nova National Park each offer incredible sightseeing opportunities and hiking trails.
- Gander’s hotel accommodations are located along the Trans Canada Highway and Gander Lake shoreline. Smaller and quieter options are available at the Freshwater Bay to the east of Gander.
Total eclipse starts: 5:13:00 PM NDT
Bonavista, NL
The town of Bonavista sits on Bayley’s Cove with Lance Cove on the opposite side. The town is almost as far east as St. John’s to the south, with ocean waters surrounding your visit and stay. It is also incredibly close to being able to receive a full solar eclipse being near the centre of the eclipse’s path of totality.
- For some of the best oceanside viewing of the solar eclipse, take the short journey to Dungeon Provincial Park UNESCO Geosite, the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, or the Red Head Hiking Area.
- Choose between a number of adorable accommodations with seaside spots likes the Oceanside Cabins, Butler’s By the Sea B&B, the Russelltown Inn, or the Lancaster Inn, to name but a few.
- The small town provides a great variety of casual places to eat like the oceanside Bicycle Picnics Cafe & Bistro, Ragged Rocks Gastropub, or the Boreal Diner.
- Aside from Dungeon PP, the area is home to a number of other historical sites like the Ryan Premises National Historic Site, The Chimney UNESCO Geopark, Longbeach UNESCO Geopark, or the Port Union National Historic District of Canada.
Total eclipse starts: 5:13:46 PM NDT